The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Diary discourse

Vague Blue • 319 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Observations on human behavior and reactions to changing weather in Brooklyn, questioning predictability and norms.
  2. Reflections on societal norms and mannerisms through the lens of an encounter interpreted in an unconventional way.
  3. Personal musings on happiness, freelance writing, and the value of intellectual pursuits, inspired by past experiences and current reflections.

Processing: Why Benjamin Percy Is Writing a Novel as a Newspaper with Stephen King

Counter Craft • 427 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Writing a novel as a newspaper is a unique and fun approach that mixes storytelling with a physical format. This idea helps the author connect with readers in a new way.
  2. The author values physical media because it creates a connection to memories and experiences. In today’s digital age, people may start to appreciate real, tangible things more.
  3. Collaborating with famous authors like Stephen King can be exciting and rewarding. Sharing ideas and creativity with established writers can inspire and enrich a project.

Elio Forever

rachaelmeager • 297 implied HN points • 01 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The film 'Call Me By Your Name' can have different meanings for viewers depending on their own experiences and readiness to understand its themes.
  2. Elio, the main character, represents the complexities of love and loneliness, as he navigates desire and the struggles inherent in youth and academia.
  3. Memory plays a crucial role in the story, as Elio reflects on his past relationships and emotions, highlighting the difficulty of moving on from love.

Is Your Worldbuilding Up To Code?

Counter Craft • 530 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Worldbuilding can be done in many different ways, and it's not just about strict rules. Writers should feel free to explore and be creative instead of sticking to one method.
  2. Focusing too much on worldbuilding can cause writers to spend so much time planning that they forget to actually write their stories.
  3. There's a rich history of different storytelling styles that offer unique ways to create worlds, such as surrealism and magical realism, which don't fit into the rigid rules of typical worldbuilding.

Pardon the egg salad stains

Crow & Colophon • 159 implied HN points • 31 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Reading for a literary magazine involves editors wading through numerous submissions to select the few that stand out, which can be a challenging yet rewarding process.
  2. The beginning of a story in a literary magazine is crucial, often marked by an efficient and intriguing introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the narrative.
  3. Literary magazine editors look for clear, engaging beginnings that promise to captivate readers, preferring simplicity over convoluted prose to maintain reader interest.
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Chapter One - Fear the Beast

Grey Goose Chronicles • 982 implied HN points • 26 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Understanding fear is more than just about facing death, but about being consumed by an otherworldly force.
  2. An ancient beast's awakening brought terror to a camp, leaving behind horrifying chaos and destruction.
  3. The aftermath of the beast's attack led to secretive rituals and a sense of loss and disconnect among the survivors.

Happy New Year, Dear Readers!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 619 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The author feels hopeful for the new year and appreciates the support of readers in 2023 and 2024.
  2. Watching her young daughter learn and get excited brings her joy and optimism.
  3. She shares a personal moment about her daughter reading one of her romance novels, connecting family and creativity.

Feed the Crow: Submissions Call for Issue 58

Crow & Colophon • 219 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Genres sought include poetry, fiction, translated poetry & fiction, and graphic fiction for Issue 58 submissions.
  2. The editors emphasize the importance of courage, sincerity, and creating exceptional writing.
  3. Editors discuss the responsibility and perspective needed when dealing with rejection in the literary world.

A Revision Exercise...

Story Club with George Saunders • 61 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. An editing and revision exercise is being offered to help readers practice concrete editing approaches.
  2. The exercise is presented as an experiment previously used with students, so it’s practical and classroom-tested.
  3. The full post is behind a paywall and requires a paid subscription or sign-in to access.

Desiderata #13: links and commentary

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5621 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Energy drinks with taurine may extend lifespan, according to a recent study.
  2. Cormac McCarthy, a renowned novelist, has passed away, leaving a legacy in the literary world.
  3. The publishing world is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming release of 'The World Behind the World' by Simon & Schuster.

Two books, one theme: the modern state versus the lone operator

Brain Pizza • 66 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The central theme contrasts the modern state’s authority with the lone operator’s agency.
  2. Pairing a classic thriller with a major political biography shows how fiction and history can illuminate the same political and moral questions.
  3. Such pairings can arise unexpectedly—re‑reading a work can spark a revealing comparison that yields new insights.

Autofiction Is All We’ve Ever Known

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 518 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Autofiction, or writing based on personal experiences, has always existed and shapes how we understand ourselves. We create our memories and identities based on our interpretations, which makes our stories a mix of truth and imagination.
  2. The rise of social media has changed how we think about writing. Now it’s not just about reading but also about everyone having the chance to share their thoughts, which can blur the lines between genuine self-expression and simply following trends.
  3. We live in a universe where each person's story and perspective matter. Our ability to explore different versions of ourselves through storytelling can lead to a deeper understanding of who we are and how we connect with reality.

"The Reader in Mind Is Me"

The Biblioracle Recommends • 904 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Cormac McCarthy and Elizabeth Gilbert were late bloomers in their writing careers.
  2. McCarthy's distinctive style focused on themes of evil and hope in his novels.
  3. Gilbert's relationship with her audience reflects a balance between social and parasocial connections.

Yeh Pal

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 43 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Moments are fleeting and pass quickly whether they bring joy, sorrow, calm, or fear.
  2. You cannot stop or hold onto these moments; they come and go on their own.
  3. The best response is to live fully in each moment, enjoying it while it lasts.

Subscriber Writing, December 2024

Freddie deBoer • 1330 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. There are many interesting blog posts from different writers. These posts cover a wide range of topics that might capture your interest.
  2. The email roundup indicates that reader engagement is important, as more entries mean more chances for quality writing to be discovered.
  3. Subscribing allows you to participate and share your own writing, offering an opportunity to reach a wider audience.

The plan for meta-rationality

Meaningness • 359 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🚌 Education Fiction
  1. The book being written focuses on meta-rationality, with previous parts discussing rationalism and reasonableness.
  2. The author plans to release the book in separate paperbacks/Kindle editions before putting it online for free.
  3. The concept of meta-rationality emphasizes caring for the situation more than abstractions, questioning what the situation needs, and understanding when rationality is relevant.

"The space between me and me is you"

Five’s Substack • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The narrator in the novel grapples with loss and hunger, representing a deep yearning for something unattainable. This desire leads to a cycle of violence towards the living, as she substitutes each victim for what she's truly searching for.
  2. Hunger is described not just as a physical need, but as a longing for hope and connection that can never be fully satisfied. Each meal offers a temporary escape, yet the true craving remains unfulfilled.
  3. The journey of the narrator shows that her ultimate goal is not to regain what she lost but to revisit a single perfect memory from her past. This reflects how memories shape our identities and the complex relationship we have with loss.

Turning Off the TV in Your Mind

Counter Craft • 1344 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Writing fiction is different from watching TV. When you write, you should focus on words and deep thoughts, not just what you see on a screen.
  2. Prose allows writers to control time and characters' inner thoughts. This means you can skip boring details and dive deeper into what characters feel and think.
  3. It's important to remember that Point of View (POV) is subjective in writing. Describe things from a character's perspective to add depth and personality, rather than giving a neutral view like a camera.

The RC Car

Soaring Twenties • 146 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Ray is going through a tough time because his marriage is ending. He tries to support his son Jonah and hopes he doesn't feel responsible for the split.
  2. Ray recalls a childhood memory of a broken toy car that his dad gave him. He feels resentment about the car not working, which symbolizes deeper feelings about his father's care.
  3. There's a sense of acceptance that sometimes things just don't work out, both in relationships and life. The story reflects on how people cope with disappointment and share these experiences with friends.

The books that moved me in 2023

The Shift With Sam Baker • 758 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The article discusses the author's favorite books of the year, focusing on ones that left a lasting impact on them emotionally.
  2. The books mentioned cover a range of topics, from a unique perspective on history to candid memoirs, and thrilling fiction with humor and rage.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of books that evoke strong emotions and provoke new thoughts, highlighting the power of storytelling.

Liz and John Radcliffe

So Here’s a Thing • 865 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The story presented about Liz and John Radcliffe is a fictional creation written as an experiment by the author to explore the impact of storytelling with AI-generated images.
  2. The author discusses the implications of AI in the creative field, questioning the boundaries of creativity, ownership, and authenticity in art.
  3. AI presents both challenges and opportunities for creators, raising questions about control, skill acquisition, and the evolving landscape of artistic expression.

Spores

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The narrator has decided to use a Gro-Pad to try and start a family, even though they initially didn't believe they would need one. It shows how life can take unexpected turns.
  2. There is a debate about whether the beings created from these Gro-Pads are truly human. The narrator believes that if they can walk and talk like humans, then they deserve to be regarded as such.
  3. The narrator describes a challenging experience with the process, including finding something troubling while using the Gro-Pad. This led to a private moment of mourning for what they lost.

2025 Kvetching & Books

Kvetch • 69 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. There is an urgent appeal to support the family of Yaacov Levitan, who was killed in the Bondi Massacre. Donations are requested and come with tiered acknowledgements like shoutouts, hour-long calls, or custom writing for larger gifts.
  2. The year in review notes 29 pieces published in 2025, steady subscriber growth, and several Australia-focused essays that influenced public discourse. Subscriptions remain free.
  3. The reading list is wide-ranging across history, religion, WWII, Israel, fiction, and other topics, helped by faster audiobook listening. A long deep dive on New Zealand history is planned, though the writer feels conflicted about posting given recent tragic events.

A fun, gripping fantasy epic for summer reading; an overlooked '00s European thriller; and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. There's a great new fantasy book out that's perfect for summer. It's similar to popular titles like 'The Goblin Emperor' and 'Gideon the Ninth'.
  2. You can find essays on various topics like Trump and Musk, and even sports gambling. These might be interesting if you like discussions on current events.
  3. There's an underrated thriller from the 2000s with an amazing central performance. It could be a hidden gem you haven't seen yet.

A fun end-of-year gift for you! 🎁

Tech and Tea • 98 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. A 30-day Absurd Hypotheticals Advent Calendar runs from December 3 through New Year’s on 750 Words, offering one strange writing prompt each day that’s only available on its assigned date.
  2. The prompts use playful scenarios (like pizza bets and turtle assassins) to spark levity and reflection, helping people explore themes like money, values, identity, and creativity.
  3. Participants can earn three new badges for answering 10, 20, or all 30 questions, discuss prompts with the community, and there’s an optional deeper course called Creating Space for further exploration.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Labatut's book 'The MANIAC' explores the dangerous implications of artificial intelligence and how certain brilliant figures, like John von Neumann, led to a shift in human consciousness towards a more logic-driven existence.
  2. Nocera and McLean's 'The Big Fail' argues that the pandemic revealed serious flaws in America's systems, especially in public health, and critiques the profit-driven mindset that worsened the crisis.
  3. The authors emphasize the importance of trust in government and public health responses during the pandemic, highlighting that a lack of open dialogue and transparency led to deep societal divisions.

Winter

That Damn Optimist • 87 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Winter in the city is physically brutal — cold, biting wind, and numb fingers make life sharp and uncomfortable.
  2. Despite overcrowding, insults, and high costs, the small public pleasures like hydrants, fire-escape hangs, and movies on the lawn make staying worth it.
  3. There’s a tension with authority and hostility, but the city’s stubborn, communal energy refuses to be silenced and seems ready to wake up.

Musings on Martians and Minority Membership (in the Lit Mag Context)

Lit Mag News Roundup • 786 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Some literary journals have policies about who can write about underrecognized groups in fiction.
  2. Editors may question the plausibility of certain characteristics or experiences of fictional characters from underrecognized groups.
  3. Gatekeeping around stories of fictional underrecognized group members raises questions about equity and creativity in literary spaces.

Seven Glass Beads

Outlandish Claims • 199 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Herman Hesse's novel 'The Glass Bead Game' explores a world where different fields merge through a game played with glass beads, but ends in a tragic twist when the protagonist tries to share his wisdom and fails.
  2. The stories of trinitite, MENACE (Matchbox Educable Naughts And Crosses Engine), and the Valdice Monastery show how abstract ideas like nuclear weapons, early AI models, and forced labor intertwined with concrete consequences, shaping the 20th-century mindset on science and philosophy.
  3. The shift in mindset between Hermann Hesse's and Neal Stephenson's work reflects the evolution of the perception of abstract and concrete ideas over the 20th century, influenced by events like the Cold War, science advancements, and societal changes.

Hidden Open Thread 381.5

Astral Codex Ten • 619 implied HN points • 15 May 25
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The post is part of a ongoing discussion space for paid subscribers, encouraging shared conversations.
  2. It emphasizes the value of community interaction and exchange of ideas.
  3. Subscribers are offered opportunities to engage more deeply through the thread's content.

Which intelligence?

Paola Writes • 471 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Fiction
  1. Intelligence comes in various forms beyond traditional measures like logical-mathematical or linguistic-verbal.
  2. The definition of human intelligence can be complex, with factors like motivation and self-awareness playing a role.
  3. Efficiency in gaining skills may be a significant factor in measuring intelligence, but human intelligence is complex and cannot be solely defined by efficiency.

How Ruthie Ended the War: Chapter Five

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 373 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Ruthie finds herself left alone and unnoticed by her family, leading her to take matters into her own hands for freedom
  2. The mystery deepens as Ruthie explores the deserted house, uncovering clues and a key that connects to the soldier's story
  3. Ruthie's emotions shift from frustration to curiosity and then to a release of tears as she grapples with the situation she finds herself in

Bonus: The Not-So-Funny Valentine

The Recovering Academic • 356 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Pranks are about power dynamics, either making someone feel powerless or including them, so it's important to know your audience to ensure pranks are taken in good spirit.
  2. Pranking can be a way to compensate for insecurity or trauma, and sometimes it can be used as a means of establishing dominance rather than fostering intimacy.
  3. Traditionally, pranks have been associated with men while women often dislike them due to past negative experiences, but humor is still largely attractive in men, with a balance needed to ensure pranks do not lead to feelings of shame or betrayal.

she’s on her period I poem

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Her monthly period lasts several days and brings new waves of feeling and personal revelation that change how she is for a stretch of time.
  2. Men often don’t fully understand this and respond with awkward restraint, offering soothing fixes like tea, lemon, honey, ginger, or even vodka.
  3. Those monthly shifts can make her withdraw into close solitude and shape how relationships are negotiated, making conversations feel like they’re about the future.

How Being an Intelligence Officer Made Me a Better Writer

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Fiction
  1. Having a background in intelligence can improve writing skills. It helps in understanding complex characters and motivations.
  2. Reading fiction is important for writers. It builds empathy and a deeper understanding of others, which is crucial in storytelling.
  3. The journey from being a special operator to a writer can be surprising, but both roles require strong observation and understanding of human behavior.

It's ok to live in a fantasyland

The Novelleist • 1303 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Living in a fantasyland allows us to add magic to our everyday lives, helping us cope with reality. Stories, myths, and legends enrich our experiences and make the world feel more enchanting.
  2. Imagination is powerful; it helps us see extraordinary things in ordinary places. We can transform a simple book or a familiar place into a magical experience just by believing in the stories connected to them.
  3. Sometimes knowing too much can take away the magic. Holding onto myths and stories helps keep the wonder alive in our lives, letting us cherish imagination alongside reality.

The Fig Tree

Subtle Digressions • 119 implied HN points • 30 May 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Life offers many choices and opportunities, much like the figs on a tree. Each choice can lead to different futures and experiences.
  2. Not making a choice can lead to missed opportunities, just like the figs that fall and rot. It's important to decide on a path.
  3. Desiring too many things at once can be overwhelming. To find fulfillment, we need to pick one goal or dream to focus on.